Some leaders souring on nuclear power costs

ATLANTA (AP) — As the cost of building a new nuclear plant soars, there are signs of buyer's remorse.

The second-guessing from officials in Georgia and Florida is a sign that maybe the nation is not quite ready for a nuclear renaissance. On top of construction costs running much higher than expected, the price of natural gas has plummeted, making it tough for nuclear plants to compete in the energy market.

In Georgia, a lawmaker wants to penalize Southern Co. for going over budget with a proposal to cut into its profits by trimming some of the money a subsidiary makes.

In Florida, some lawmakers want to end the practice of utilities collecting fees from customers before any electricity is produced. The fees are used to build or expand nuclear plants.